Information Technology Applications

Base Knowledge

Concepts of Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, and Accounting.

Teaching Methodologies

The instructor will teach the Computer Applications course in a computer lab using Excel and the Power BI self-service business intelligence tool.
 
Students are expected to attend classes whenever possible, complete exercises, and ask questions during class or at a time agreed upon with the instructors.
Course materials are available on the school’s teaching support platform. Students can complete exercises at their own pace and consult instructors as needed. Exercises include notes and guidance, but students are encouraged to explore other solutions to boost critical thinking.
 
We choose in-class challenges to facilitate closer monitoring and solidify the knowledge acquired in Advanced Excel. Whenever possible, we present real-world business problems that require students to find the best solutions within a short timeframe.
 
Power BI will encourage the use of open data. When possible, data relevant to the Bachelor’s degree will be used to expand students’ knowledge and strengthen links between this course and others.
Problem-based Learning prioritizes student creativity in problem-solving. This method fosters collaboration by breaking projects into smaller, simpler tasks.
 
Productivity aspects related to the tools used are of paramount importance: in a business context, providing timely, accurate, and effective responses to challenges is a fundamental, highly relevant professional skill that we believe will distinguish students when they enter the job market.

Learning Results

A. Knowledge:

Equip students with advanced spreadsheet skills and practical experience in business-focused Self-Service Business Intelligence software.

B. Objectives:

Use spreadsheets for data analysis, simulation, and automating procedures.

Create Power BI dashboards to support business decisions.

Master data preparation and quality checks, and communicate results clearly.

C. Competencies:

Identify when to use different functions and formulas.

Use Excel to solve everyday business problems efficiently.

Use data’s flexibility to solve problems.

Use scenario simulation tools in real business situations.

Present business information efficiently and in real time to support decision-making.

Program

1. Working on Data Basis

1.1. Data Sorting, Automatic Filtering, and Advanced Filtering

1.2. Data Base Functions

1.2.1. Comparison of Advanced Filters and Data Base Functions

1.2.2. Main Database Functions

2. Overview of Date and Time Functions

3. Overview of Information Functions

4. Data Validation Methods in Excel

5. Features of Pivot Tables and Charts

6. Simulation Tools Available in Excel

6.1. Utilization of Goal Seek for Achieving Target Outcomes

6.2. Application of Solver for Optimization Problems

6.3. Application of Scenario Manager for What-If Analysis

7. Financial Functions

8. Methods for Importing Data into Excel

9. Overview of Self-Service Business Intelligence Tools

9.1. Introduction to Contemporary Data Visualization Tools

9.2. Principles for Designing Effective Dashboards

9.3. Overview of Power BI in Dashboard Development

Curricular Unit Teachers

Abraão Luiz Henriques Gomes da Silva

Grading Methods

The assessment methodology includes continuous assessment, should the student wish to pursue it (OPTION A), or assessment by final exam (OPTION B). Although optional, students will be encouraged to adopt the continuous assessment system, aiming to follow the classes and topics through active participation, promoting the best possible learning experience and the best retention and longevity of the acquired knowledge.

Option A: Continuous Assessment
 
Continuous assessment consists of the following components:
 
1) One test in Excel and one test in data analysis (Power BI). The dates for these assessments will be determined in coordination with the ISCAC Presidency. Students will be notified of the test schedules during face-to-face classes and via the INFORESTUDANTE platform.
 
2) Each test will contribute 50% to the final continuous assessment grade.
 
3) A minimum score of 7.5 is required on each test, and the arithmetic mean of both tests must be at least 10.
 
4) Failure to meet any of the requirements outlined in point 3 will result in exclusion from the continuous assessment process.
 
5) The use of reference materials, in either paper or digital format, is not permitted during either test.
 
Option B: Final Exam Assessment
 
The final exam assessment consists of the following requirements:
 
1) Completion of the final exam must occur during the periods scheduled by the ISCAC regulatory bodies.
 
2) A minimum score of 10 out of 20 is required to pass.
 
3) The use of materials, in either paper or digital format, is not permitted during the exam.

 


    Internship(s)

    NAO

    Bibliography

    Exercises and curriculum materials are available on the INFORESTUDANTE platform.

    Deckler, Greg & Powell, Brett (2022) Mastering Microsoft Power BI: Expert techniques to create interactive insights for effective data analytics and business intelligence, Packt Publishing, 2nd Edition, ISBN: 1801811482

    Carvalho, Adelaide (2017) Excel para Gestão: 65 exercícios, FCA – Editora de Informática, ISBN: 978-972-722 875-1

    Carvalho, Adelaide (2017) Automatização em Excel: 69 exercícios, FCA – Editora de Informática, 978-972 722-872-0

    Rodrigues, Luís Silva (2016) Utilização do Excel para Economia & Gestão, FCA – Editora Informática, ISBN: 978-972-722-775-4

    Nogueira, Nun (2019) Power BI – para Gestão e Finanças, Lisboa, FCA Editores, ISBN: 978-972-722-895-9

    Carvalho, Adelaide (2019) Exercícios de Power BI – Importação, Edição e Visualização de Dados, Lisboa, FCA Editores, ISBN: 978-972-722-910-9

    Carvalho, Adelaide (2023) Práticas de Excel, Power Pivot e Power Query – Análise de dados, FCA Editores, ISBN: 978-972-722-928-4